Good Samaritan Spotlight - Internal Medicine Residency

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Good Samaritan?

Dr. Sean Curry: Sure! I was born and raised in the local area, actually born at Good Samaritan over 30 years ago. I grew up across the river in Bridgeport and went to Red Hill High School. From there, I earned my undergraduate degree at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and completed my medical degree at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.

Afterward, I joined the United States Army to help cover my medical school costs and served for seven years, including three years at Fort Campbell with the 101st Airborne. I returned to Good Samaritan to give back to the community that raised me, and now, I’m focused on helping train future physicians.

That’s an incredible journey! Now, let’s talk about internal medicine. What does an internal medicine physician do?

Dr. Sean Curry: Internal medicine is a broad field that focuses on treating adult patients, starting at age 18 and continuing throughout life. We manage a wide range of health conditions, including those affecting the heart, lungs, kidneys, and more. Internal medicine is sometimes called the “doctor’s doctor” because it involves comprehensive care, often dealing with complex or chronic conditions.

Many specialists, like cardiologists or pulmonologists, start with internal medicine training before focusing on their specialties. So, an internist is skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of medical issues.

Can you explain how the residency program works at Good Samaritan?

Dr. Sean Curry: Our residency program is a three-year training process for physicians who have already graduated from medical school. First-year residents, or “interns,” start by gaining experience in many different areas of medicine. Over the next two years, they continue to refine their skills in internal medicine, and by the end of the program, they can either choose to specialize or practice general internal medicine.

All residents are already doctors, but they train under experienced attending physicians like myself, which helps them hone their skills and gain hands-on experience.

One question we often get from the community is about the residency clinic. Some people hesitate to see a resident, thinking they’re still “in training.” What would you say to that?

Dr. Sean Curry: I understand the concern, but it’s important to know that residents are fully qualified doctors. In our residency clinic on the fifth floor of the Good Samaritan Health Pavilion, residents provide primary care to patients. However, they’re always supervised by experienced attending physicians. This ensures that patients receive high-quality care with an extra layer of oversight.

Additionally, residents are typically up-to-date with the latest medical guidelines and procedures, which can be a real benefit for patients. So, you’re not only getting care from your primary provider but from a whole team of doctors.

Could you share more about what happens at the clinic and the types of services offered?

Dr. Sean Curry: Of course! At the clinic, residents serve as primary care providers for many patients. We offer a wide range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and procedures like joint injections, skin procedures, and cervical cancer screenings.

What’s unique about our clinic is the team-based approach. We have clinical pharmacists, social workers, and other specialists who work closely with the residents. This multidisciplinary collaboration helps provide comprehensive care to our patients.

As the program matures, have any of the residents stayed on at Good Samaritan after graduating?

Dr. Sean Curry: Yes, several of our graduates have chosen to stay here at Good Samaritan. We’ve had three or four join our hospitalist team, so patients coming into the hospital may be treated by a former resident. Some graduates have also gone on to work in nearby communities, like Evansville, where one of our former residents is now a primary care physician. Others have pursued subspecialty training and may return to the area in the future.

How do you think this program impacts the future of healthcare in our region?

Dr. Sean Curry: I believe this program is crucial for the future of healthcare in our community. By training residents here, we’re creating opportunities for them to stay in the area, which helps address the physician shortage, particularly in rural regions like ours. These residents become familiar with the community, develop a sense of belonging, and many choose to stay long-term.

I also think the program benefits patients because it combines the expertise of seasoned physicians with the fresh knowledge and enthusiasm of residents. It’s a win-win for everyone.

For those interested in becoming patients at the residency clinic, what’s the best way to get an appointment?

Dr. Sean Curry: It’s easy to get connected with the clinic! You can visit the Good Samaritan website and use the “Find a Provider” feature, or you can call us directly at 812-885-6990. You can also stop by the fifth floor of the Health Pavilion, and we’ll be happy to assist you in person.

If you’re looking for a primary care physician or want to learn more about our residency clinic, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always accepting new patients and look forward to serving the community!